Flowers of Welcome, Chocolates, and Along With Them — School Bags, Books, and Other Supplies!
The gifts received on the very first day of school brought joyful smiles to students’ faces!
‘School Reopening Festival’ and Distribution of Educational Supplies Celebrated Across BMC Schools
Maharashtra’s Minister of Cultural Affairs and Guardian Minister of Mumbai Suburban District Adv. Ashish Shelar, along with Minister of State for School Education Dr. Pankaj Bhoyar, local representatives, and senior officials graced the occasion, boosting students’ enthusiasm
On the first day of the academic year 2025–2026 (June 16, 2025), all schools under the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) hosted a grand welcome for students under the ‘School Reopening Festival’ initiative. Decorated schools and classrooms, a rose and chocolate gifted to each arriving student, vibrant dhol-tasha beats, lezim dance, and brand new school bags, notebooks, books, and other educational items brought visible delight to children’s faces. The festive atmosphere was further enhanced by a cheerful monsoon downpour, with the celebration taking place across all schools in a spirited manner.
The Education Department of the Municipal Corporation organized multiple ceremonies, combining the School Reopening Festival with the distribution of educational materials on the very first day of school. These events were attended by several dignitaries, who added to the joy of students, teachers, and parents.
At the Mumbai Public School in Bandra (West), Maharashtra’s Minister of IT and Cultural Affairs and Guardian Minister of Mumbai Suburban District Adv. Ashish Shelar attended the event, while at the Mumbai Public School in Bandra (East), Minister of State for School Education Dr. Pankaj Bhoyar marked his presence.
At the H-West ward’s Mumbai Public School in Bandra (West), Minister Shelar personally handed roses and chocolates to the students and interacted warmly with them, extending his best wishes. Students were welcomed with traditional rituals, dhol-tasha beats, and lezim dance performances. The minister also symbolically distributed educational supplies to selected students. Expressing gratitude for the gifts, both students and parents thanked the administration. The event was also attended by Deputy Commissioner (Zone 3) Mr. Vishwas Mote, H-West Ward Assistant Commissioner Mr. Dinesh Pallewad, and Primary Education Officer Mr. Rajesh Kankal.
At the Mumbai Public School in Bandra (East), Minister of State Dr. Pankaj Bhoyar welcomed the students with roses and chocolates. Teachers showered flower petals on the children. Rangoli was drawn at the entrance, and the school was decorated with flowers and colorful balloons. Senior students from Classes 8 to 10 welcomed their younger schoolmates with lezim dance. The event was graced by H-East Ward Assistant Commissioner Mrs. Mridula Ande and Primary Education Officer Mr. Rajesh Kankal.
At the Mumbai Public School in Bora Bazaar, Additional Municipal Commissioner (Eastern Suburbs) Dr. Amit Saini was the chief guest. He welcomed the students with roses and chocolates and also distributed educational materials. Also present were Mumbai City District Collector Mrs. Anchal Goyal and A Ward Assistant Commissioner Mr. Jaydeep More.